How Does a Lipo 360 and BBL Combo Work?
Lipo 360 is a procedure in which excess fat is removed from around the entire torso, including the abdomen, flanks, and back. During a Brazilian butt lift procedure (BBL), fat is harvested via liposuction and then injected into the buttocks to add projection and create a more pleasing shape. The two procedures complement each other well since one removes fat and the other requires it.
When performed together, a lipo 360 and BBL combo begins with the lipo 360. The fat removed during the liposuction procedure is collected and then undergoes a purification process. The processed fat is then strategically injected into the buttocks to enhance volume and shape according to your desired aesthetic goals.
Is This Combo Safe?
It is safe to perform lipo 360 and a BBL together, and we take every precaution to ensure that your safety is uncompromised. One way that we do that is by following the established guidelines for how much fat we can safely remove during a liposuction procedure. Generally, we can remove up to five liters of fat during a single procedure. In the state of Florida, however, the law limits us to four liters (about eight pounds).
At Mia Aesthetics, every BBL we perform is done with ultrasound technology. This allows the surgeon to visualize precisely how deeply into the buttocks they are injecting the fat, thereby reducing many of the risks associated with the procedure.
We further ensure patient safety by operating only on nonsmokers. While we understand that kicking the habit can be difficult, smoking and vaping before surgery and during recovery greatly increase the risk of surgical complications. These potential problems include but are not limited to pneumonia, wound infection, heart problems, and neurological problems.
Of course, we also care for your safety by using sterile operating rooms and equipment. We keep our equipment well-maintained and utilize the newest proven surgical techniques, staying on top of advances in the field of plastic surgery and patient care. We also provide clear instructions on how to prepare for your surgery and care for yourself after.
Benefits of the Lipo 360 and BBL Combo
There are several benefits to combining a BBL and lipo 360, one of which is giving your surgical results a boost. Lipo 360 can tone and slim your torso and core, but adding some projection and shape to your buttocks at the same time contours and shapes even more of your body to maximize the impact of your surgery.
Combining these procedures also saves you money. Having both procedures at the same time means only paying once for anesthesia, operating room or facility fees, and pre-op lab work and tests. It also means missing work and scheduling help around the house for one recovery period instead of two.
Two surgeries also mean twice the risk of anesthetic complications, post-op infections, and other problems. If you’re considering both procedures, it just makes more sense to go with one surgery and one recovery.
How Painful is this Combo Procedure?
After surgery, pain levels can vary greatly among individuals. In general, however, patients describe pain after a lipo 360 and BBL combo as a deep bruising sensation. Pain and discomfort lessen significantly after the first week and will get better every day until then.
Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to ease your discomfort in the first few days following surgery. Wearing compression garments as instructed can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the liposuction areas. These garments support the healing tissues and make movement less painful. Applying ice packs to the liposuction areas can help soothe pain and reduce swelling. Gentle massage might also be recommended to alleviate discomfort and improve healing in the treated areas.
Special pillows or techniques for lying down and sitting can help relieve pressure and reduce pain in the buttock area. Pain in the buttock area is usually fairly mild and subsides within the first 24 to 48 hours. Discomfort caused by the BBL procedure more often revolves around an inability to sit after the procedure, which can make getting comfortable difficult.
Recovery Timeline
You will need to take off work for at least 10 days after a lipo 360 and BBL combination procedure. Most patients are able to return to most of their normal daily activities in two to three weeks, but intense physical activity is forbidden for six to eight weeks, so you won’t be hitting the gym for a while.
You will have to wear a compression garment for at least six weeks and avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for three weeks. Special pillows are available to make sitting possible when required, however. Because you can’t put direct pressure on your buttocks, you’ll also need to sleep on your stomach for a few weeks.
While you will get a glimpse of your results much sooner, your final results will show themselves in about six months. It can take this long for all of the residual swelling to ease and for your body to fully settle into its new shape.
Lipo 360 and BBL Combo Results and Expectations
After speaking to your surgeon or surgical coordinator you should have a good idea of what your results should look like. Seeing them, however, is likely to be somewhat awe-inspiring. Keeping them will take a little work on your part.
Technically, the results of your surgery will be considered permanent. The fat cells removed during your lipo 360 procedure will be gone for good and aren’t coming back. You can also expect that the fat cells injected into your buttocks will stay there. But if your weight fluctuates, your body may change the size of your existing fat cells or, if necessary, create new ones. This can change the shape of your body and alter your surgical results.
It’s also important to remember that your plastic surgeon can’t stop the clock. Aging and gravity will both continue to impact your body and may eventually lead to some changes. The best way to maintain your results after surgery is to follow all of your post-op instructions carefully. Once you heal, you’ll need to take care of yourself through healthy eating and exercise.